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The restoration project is underway at Port Clinton’s Liberty Aviation Museum, and members of the public can now view progress in one of the center’s hangars. Work has been progressing on airframe 5-AT-40 for over 10 years, and while significant strides have been made, the foundation states that more funding is needed to return the Ford Tri-Motor to flying condition.
More details can be found at: https://www.restoretheford.org
Ford Tri-Motors played an important role in aviation history, particularly for commercial passenger operations in the USA. The Liberty Aviation Museum already operates one flying example, but the center states that they are becoming increasingly rare. With the recent appeal for funding, it is hoped that the public will have more opportunities to experience a flight in one of these aircraft.
Only 199 For Tri-Motors were originally produced: of those, a total of 18 are known to exist today, with less than 8 in airworthy condition. The aircraft were particularly important in Ohio, with Island Airlines having used them to service remote communities on the Lake Erie Islands from 1936 until the 1980s. The Tri-Motor Foundation muses that they were used for a host of purposes, including school bus, ambulance, mail service, or hearse.
The current restoration project comprises a team of dedicated volunteers. Given the progress made, a full-time airframe mechanic is now also employed to oversee more technical elements. Visitors to the center can now view large sections of the fuselage and wings. While work continues, the foundation recently suggested several ways that the public can assist.
Along with the funding needed to support the operation, some critical elements are still needed in order to complete the aircraft. These include engines, seats, landing gear strut assemblies, oil coolers, and radio equipment.
About Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation
Formed by local pilot Ken Benjamin in 2004, the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation aims to preserve a piece of aviation history in such a way that the public can experience it for themselves. The Foundation is registered as a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization.
A representative of the foundation recently stated: “It is our hope that after visiting our website and seeing our progress to date, you will become a strong supporter of our endeavor.”
Interested parties can learn more by visiting: https://www.restoretheford.org
Contact Info:
Name: Jody Brausch
Email: Send Email
Organization: Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation
Address: 3515 East State Road, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452, United States
Phone: +1-419-635-6383
Website: https://www.restoretheford.org/
Release ID: 89075385